A lot of brides have asked us if we could provide a list of venues that allow outside caterers. We found for you lots of choices – from community spaces to elegant historic homes. If you book one of these venues, be sure to tell the venue that you found them through BrideStLouis.com.

Be aware that some venues do charge extra fees for non-preferred catering. Some are reasonable and some are extremely high. All will require proof of insurance and other such documents that a good business caterer should have no problem producing.

It’s time for an update and reposting of one of our most popular blog topics – Venues where you can choose you own catering company. It’s been almost two years since we updated this list.

A lot of brides have asked us if we could provide a list of venues that allow outside caterers. We found for you lots of choices – from community spaces to elegant historic homes. If you book one of these venues, be sure to tell the venue that you found them through BrideStLouis.com.

560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., St. Louis, MO 63130

Ambruster Grand Hall

Barnett on Washington (A list of 7 from which to choose – more on the way)

A lot of brides have asked us if we could provide a list of venues that allow outside caterers. We found for you lots of choices – from community spaces to elegant historic homes. If you book one of these venues, be sure to tell the venue that you found them through BrideStLouis.com.

Be aware that some venues do charge extra fees for non-preferred catering. Some are reasonable and some are extremely high. All will require proof of insurance and other such documents that a good business caterer should have no problem producing.

Are you the kind of bride that wants to see your guests and friends having a great time and mingling at your reception? A reception is a party and creating a party atmosphere can be easily accomplished with food stations. From a carving station to a pasta station, guests can enjoy a night to remember that is truly special. Here are some ideas of different food stations that you might consider:

Nachos Station – Build your favor nachos with Mexican toppings. Add a pitcher of margaritas for more fun.

Hot Dog Station – Wow! I love this. Include a variety of sausages as well. Put toppings in clear glass jars. Provide a variety of homemade pickles, pepper rings, sauerkraut. Maybe have a selection of local microbrew beers.

Popcorn Station – Yes, lots and lots of great choices here. Be sure to check out Poptions in Kirkwood for a wonderful selection including Gooey Butter, Chocolate Pecan Praline (my favorite), Aged White Vermont Cheddar and many, many more. Poptions is located at The Village at Schneithorst’s, 1580 S. Lindbergh Blvd. See more information at www.Poptions.com,

I think you get the idea. It is lots of fun. Guests love it. Be sure to forego the ordinary and try to think of fun ways to serve everything! Vintage dishes can be used for many of the stations.

These mini buffets are scattered throughout your reception area and are the perfect solution for non-traditional reception spaces. Don’t be afraid to implement your own ideas. Have fun.

If you are considering using a catering company there are six basic types of meal options: Breakfast or Brunch, Luncheon, Tea Reception, Dessert Reception, Cocktail Reception, Information Dinner and Formal Dinner. Dinner is the most traditional, and a Formal Dinner consisting of three to six courses are the most expensive.

It’s important to find the right catering service that can provide your wedding with the right cuisine and presentation that fits with the theme of your wedding. One question to be sure to ask is if they specialize in any particular types of foods and then see if you can schedule a taste-testing of the specific food you are interested in before hiring them. Additional questions to ask include: Does the caterer handle all table settings? Where is the food prepared? Do they provide their own wait staff? How many would they recommend, what would they wear, and is this an additional cost? Are they licensed and insured? Do they provide alcohol or other beverages? Is there a corking fee if they provide bar service?

These are just a few questions to help you start narrowing down your search. You want to ensure that your guests will leave your party happy and satisfied and that there are no sudden surprises on the day of your wedding.